Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Elk Grove is 190% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,180/mo ↑ 130%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 57%
$122,229/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 54%
$603,400 ↑ 362%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 78%
$2,227/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 58%
177,221
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,233/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $14,796/year.

Median household income is $66,327/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Topeka — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Topeka?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,233/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Topeka?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $66,327/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Topeka

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks